Heyla everyone! Kudos to mysticmoods for finally explaining how to get formating. The only real difference, though, will be that thoughts are italics. Thanks for the reviews everyone. Even people who haven't reviewed. Because I know that they're coming. (hint hint)
Apologies for not updating in so long … please forgive me. Brownies for all of todays reviewers. So that you feel loved and review again. ^_^
And the fic continues...
***
At first glance, there were really only three things similar about the two girls who strode down the hall off of which the Trainee's rooms were. They both had dark hair and sharper features than normal, and both of them wore the gray robes of a Herald-Trainee.
One's skin was gold-brown, and her green eyes seemed to laugh at a joke only she heard. She was the taller of the pair, but not by much. The shorter's skin was pale, her eyes silvery gray and solemn, and she fidgeted with the sleeve of her robe.
'Ok, Calsa, here's your room,' the older one said. 'Can I call you Cal? It's so much easier.'
Cal shrugged. 'Sure, I guess.' She threw her packs onto the bed, then started sorting the luggage into the shelves, closet and chest provided. 'They certainly give us enough room to put our junk,' she commented airily.
'Not for some of us,' Meyra said with a touch of amusement. 'I can never seem to keep all my stuff in one place for long.' She waited a moment, then beckoned. 'You have Orientation first, don't wan't to be late for that, do you?' Cal shook her head vigorously. I don't want to set a bad example on the first day.
:Oh,: said an unfamilliar mindvoice. :If you have a question or something,but don't want to embarrass yourself by saying it out loud, just 'speak it to me. Or your Companion, of course.:
:Mindspeech is a little more comfortable.: Cal admitted.
:Get used to it, it's the safest way to talk when you're out on circuit. And one of the best ways to talk after curfew.:
:Hedonist.:
:Well, Daecia doesn't mind and if my Companion is ok with it –:
:Then both of you are hedonists. So where's Orientation?:
:Not till you say sorry.:
:Then I'll have to tell Weaponsmaster Tor that you're shirking your duties.:
:Cruel. But effective. I forgive you... this time.:
:I tremble in fear,: Cal snorted.
'Ok, Ashayen, she's back to you.' Meyra said to the Dean. 'I got a Weaponry class, so gotta run.' Cal could have sworn that she heard Ashayen mutter 'Understandable.'
There were about six other Trainees in Orientation, and the Dean soon got to introducing them. 'Trainee Calsa has arrived, so we are now meeting. We will only meet for a few weeks, by then, though, you should be so involved with your other classes that you will welcome the respite. This is more to get you settled down than any education.
'So give your names, everyone.'
A sandy-haired boy looked up from under his bangs. They covered his eyes, making it impossible to tell their colour. But he seemed to see fine, even with them hampering his vision. 'I'm Aldrid,' he said in a soft voice. The one next to him looked up. ''m Hy,' the pale blond said. A boy with dark red-brown hair was Rhael.
'I'm Cal,' she offered. The girl next to her, mousey haired and dark-eyed was named Filari. The last two, both with dusk skin and features, were brother and sister. 'I'm Aswen,' said the girl, in a low, sweet voice. 'And my brother's Kia.'
'And now, how many of you know what a Herald really is?' the Dean asked, and that led to other questions.
'You do know,' Ashayen said after everyone was done, 'that only half of the Heralds make it past middle-aged. And that you might be one of the unlucky ones.' Cal felt a shudder run down her spine. Van had been what, thirty-six, thirty seven?
***
'You know what?' Cal asked Meyra about a month later. The two were in Companion's field, with their Companions. Daecia was 'speaking with Josh, and Cal had been staring at the clouds.
'What?'
'It would be neat to be able to fly. I always wanted to, but its impossible. The Tayledras are probably the people who come closest to it, and they have to do it through their bondbirds. It would have to be a powerful mage who could grow wings for themself, like the Great Mages of the past, if not more.'
'Yes, it would,' Meyra commented vaguely. 'Cal, um, I got to go pack, I'm going on a trip with my family next week, and unless I pack now, I'm going to end up wearing something of my brother's.'
'But… I've only been here a month and a halfish.'
'Ya, but it's Midsummerbreak now.'
'Family trips,' Cal said with a sigh. 'I wish I could go. I don't even remember my family, or even a parental figure before Ililia. And then Tor.'
The other hesitated for a minute, then smiled. 'Sure, why don't you come. Mum and Dad won't mind. And Silverstar always likes new people. But Raen...'
She paused for a minute. 'Personally, I don't give a damn what Raen thinks. Let's go pack.'
***
'Thanks again for letting me come with you,' Cal said. They were a week out of Haven, and she had decided that if this was what circuit riding was like, she would ride circuit forever.
'It's ok, seriously. You don't have to keep thanking me. After all, you'll have to meet Raen, and after putting up with him for a week, you won't think so highly of me.'
'Riding is so great, though. It's like having wings or something.'
'Would you stop talking about wings!' Calsa stared at Meyra.
'Sorry…'
'No, no, I'm sorry.' Meyra was red now, and she obviously didn't want to talk about it any more.
'Are you afraid of hights or something?'
'Yes, yes, that's it,' she said hurriedly. Not that Cal noticed, one doesn't talk much about something you're terrified of. And a few seconds later, she couldn't think of anything.
Cal bent over double, or as much as it is possible to while in a saddle, clutching her stomach. Her face was white and drawn at the edges, her pupils dialted and her eyes wide. She gasped for breath, tryng to calm herself.
'What is it? Are you alright? Cal? Cal!'
***
Shadow: But that's a cliffhanger…
Winddancer: *rolling eyes* That's the point. *turns to everyone else* ok guys, the sooner you review, the sooner we update. The next chapter's already nearly done…
